Head-to-head reliability
Suzuki Forenza vs Toyota Camry
How the Suzuki Forenza and Toyota Camry compare on NHTSA complaints, recalls and crash reports — and which is the lower-risk used buy.
Based on NHTSA owner-complaint & recall records
Suzuki Forenza vs Toyota Camry: The Forenza averaged 181 complaints per year with 63 injuries, while the Camry averaged 206 complaints per year with 158 injuries. The Forenza has fewer annual complaints but more severe issues like air bag failures. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the Suzuki Forenza or Toyota Camry more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
Suzuki Forenza
The Suzuki Forenza is a compact car that, based on owner complaints, can be a headache to own. Over five years, it averaged about 181 complaints per year, with the most common issues in the power train, electrical system, and air bags. Owners report problems like hard starting, engine revving, and air bags failing to deploy in crashes. With 15 recalls and 63 injuries reported, it's a vehicle that demands careful inspection before purchase.
Toyota Camry
The Toyota Camry is a midsize sedan with a generally strong reputation, but NHTSA data shows it's not without issues. Over ten years, it averaged about 206 complaints per year, with power train, engine, and brake problems being the most frequent. Owners describe symptoms like hesitation, shuddering, and electronic parking brake failures. With 31 recalls and 158 injuries, it's important to check for open recalls and test-drive thoroughly.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | Suzuki Forenza | Toyota Camry |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 907 Better | 2,056 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 15 Better | 31 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 59 Better | 171 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 181.4 Better | 205.6 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 63 Better | 158 |
| Reported deathsTied to owner complaints | 0 Better | 1 |
Source: NHTSA owner complaints & recall records.
What actually goes wrong
The problems owners report
The most-complained-about systems on each vehicle — what fails, and what owners say in their own words.
Suzuki Forenza
- 01POWER TRAIN360
- 02ELECTRICAL SYSTEM188
- 03AIR BAGS177
- 04EXTERIOR LIGHTING102
- 05ENGINE77
Owners report trouble starting, intermittent check engine lights, and a resonator assembly that needed replacing. Some also describe engine revving, hesitation, and jerking during acceleration, which can be dangerous in traffic.
Complaints include a light switch on the driver's side that began smoking and caused steering wheel burns. Another owner had all interior and exterior lights dim and the radio shut off when activating high beams, indicating serious wiring issues.
Several owners report that air bags failed to deploy in moderate-speed crashes, including side impacts. This is a critical safety concern that could lead to serious injury.
The same smoking light switch and dimming lights are reported under exterior lighting. These failures can impair visibility and lead to electrical fires.
“CAR HAS TROUBLE STARTING AND CHECK ENGINE LIGHT COMES ON INTERMITTENTLY. JULY 2007 TOOK CAR IN WITH 'HARD START" PROBLEM. THEY FOUND RESONATOR ASSEMBLY NEEDED REPLACING. THAT REPAIR WAS DONE ON AUGUST 3, 2007. CAR RAN FOR APPROX. 2 MONTHS AND WE TOOK IT BACK…”
“DT: THE CONTACT STATED THE ENGINE REVVED, IT WAS RACING, AND THE RPM GAUGE RAN HIGHER THAN NORMAL. THE VEHICLE WILL HESITATE AT ANY SPEED. THERE WILL BE A LOSS OF POWER, AND THE VEHICLE JERKED WHEN POWER WENT BACK INTO THE VEHICLE. THERE WAS NO PRIOR WARNING.…”
Toyota Camry
- 01POWER TRAIN385
- 02UNKNOWN OR OTHER323
- 03ENGINE315
- 04SERVICE BRAKES285
- 05ELECTRICAL SYSTEM237
Owners of recent Camrys report the ignition key getting stuck and not releasing even when the car is in Park, requiring battery disconnection. Others describe hesitation and shuddering with the check engine light on.
Complaints include delayed throttle response when pressing the accelerator, with the car taking several seconds to move. This lag can be dangerous when merging or crossing intersections.
The electronic parking brake may fail to disengage, requiring a tow. Owners also report a clicking or vibrating noise from the brake pedal area, which the manufacturer says is common but still concerning.
Multiple systems like stability control, power steering, and blind spot monitoring can malfunction simultaneously. One owner reported issues with the subframe, driveline, and various sensors, indicating complex electronic problems.
“My 2023 Toyota Camry has developed an intermittent defect where the ignition key becomes stuck and cannot be removed even though the dashboard shows the vehicle is in Park. The only way to remove the key is to disconnect the vehicle's battery, which is not a…”
“The contact owns a 2023 Toyota Camry. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle was hesitating and shuddering, and the check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, who diagnosed the vehicle…”
Official recalls
Safety recalls on record
Federal recall campaigns — the defect, the risk, and the fix. Confirm any open recall was completed before you buy.
Suzuki Forenza — 15 recalls
The defect: ON CERTAIN PASSENGER CARS, THE DUAL STAGE DRIVER'S AIR BAG DEPLOYS IN AN IMPROPER SEQUENCE.
The risk: IF THE DRIVER'S AIR BAG DEPLOYS IMPROPERLY DURING A FRONTAL VEHICLE CRASH, THE DRIVER COULD BE SEVERELY INJURED OR KILLED.
The fix: DEALERS WILL INSTALL AN ADAPTING WIRING HARNESS. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN ON OCTOBER 30, 2003, TO VERONA VEHICLE OWNERS. ALL FORENZA VEHICLES WERE REPAIRED AT THE PORT OF ENTRY. THERE ARE NO OWNER NOTIFICATIONS NECESSARY FOR THE FORENZA MO…
The defect: ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, THE BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH MAY BECOME MISADJUSTED IF AN UPWARD/REARWARD FORCE IS APPLIED TO THE BRAKE PEDAL. IF THIS SHOULD OCCUR, THE BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH WILL NOT FUNCTION PROPERLY, CAUSING THE BRAKE LIGHTS, INCLUDING THE HIGH MOUNTED STOP LAMP, TO REMAIN ILLUMINATED CONT…
The risk: IF THE BRAKE LIGHTS REMAIN ON CONTINUOUSLY WHILE DRIVING,A FOLLOWING DRIVER MAY NOT KNOW WHEN YOUR BRAKES HAVE BEEN APPLIED, AND A REAR-END CRASH COULD OCCUR WITHOUT PRIOR WARNING. THIS CONDITION MAY ALSO DISCHARGE THE VEHICLE'S BATTERY, A…
The fix: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON MARCH 16, 2005. OWNERS MAY CONTACT SUZUKI AT 1-800-934-0934.
The defect: Suzuki Motor of America, Inc. (Suzuki) is recalling certain model year 2004-2008 Forenza vehicles, and 2005-2008 Reno vehicles manufactured from September 1, 2003, through July 30, 2008. In the affected vehicles, heat may be generated in the headlamp switch or daytime running light (DRL) module whi…
The risk: If the heat generated within the headlamp switch or DRL module located on the left side of the steering column melts the headlamp switch or DRL module, there is an increased risk of a fire.
The fix: Suzuki will replace the signal switch and add a jumper relay kit and will replace the DRL Module in teh instrument panel harness. Suzuki distributed to owners an interim letter on July 30, 2014. The recall began October 29, 2014. Owners ma…
The defect: Suzuki is recalling certain model year 2004-2006 Forenza and model year 2005-2006 Reno vehicles manufactured from September 23, 2003, through March 7, 2006. Increased resistance due to poor contact between the terminals of certain wires can generate heat that can melt the splice pack used to connec…
The risk: If the headlamps fail to function, this will lead to reduced driver visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Suzuki will notify owners, and Suzuki dealers will reconnect the affected wires with two heat-shrink crimps, free of charge. The safety recall began on September 25, 2012. Owners may contact Suzuki at 1-877-697-8985.
Toyota Camry — 31 recalls
The defect: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2023 Camry and Camry Hybrid vehicles. The lug nuts that attach the wheels to the vehicle may be loose, which can result in wheel detachment.
The risk: A wheel that detaches from a moving vehicle can cause a loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Owners are advised not to drive their vehicles until the repair has been performed. Dealers will inspect and tighten the lug nuts, and replace any damaged components, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed on…
The defect: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2023-2024 Camry and Camry Hybrid vehicles. The second-row center and right-side seats may have insufficiently welded head restraint brackets. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle…
The risk: A head restraint bracket that is insufficiently welded may not properly restrain an occupant during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
The fix: Dealers will replace the 60% rear seat-back frame sub-assembly, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 19, 2024. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Toyota's numbers for this recall are 24TB0…
The defect: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2020-2021 Avalon, Avalon Hybrid, Corolla, Highlander, Highlander Hybrid, RAV4, RAV4 Hybrid, Lexus ES350, Lexus RX350, Lexus RX450H, 2021 Sienna Hybrid, Lexus ES250, 2020-2022 Camry, Camry Hybrid, and ES300H vehicles. A short cir…
The risk: An air bag that does not deploy during a crash increases the risk of injury.
The fix: Dealers will inspect and replace the sensor as necessary, free of charge. Interim letters notifying owners of the safety risk were mailed in February 2024. Some final remedy owner letters were mailed October 31, 2024. Letters will continue…
The defect: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2023-2024 Camry and Camry Hybrid vehicles. The second-row center and right-side seats may have insufficiently welded head restraint brackets. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle…
The risk: A head restraint bracket that is insufficiently welded may not properly restrain an occupant during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
The fix: Dealers will replace the 60% rear seat-back frame sub-assembly, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 19, 2024. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Toyota's numbers for this recall are 24TB0…
Buyer analysis
Suzuki Forenza or Toyota Camry: which should you buy?
The Suzuki Forenza has fewer complaints per year (about 181) than the Toyota Camry (about 206), but the Forenza's issues are more severe, including air bag failures and electrical fires. The Camry's higher annual average reflects its longer production run and greater popularity, but its problems are often less life-threatening. In practice, the Forenza may require more urgent repairs, while the Camry may have more frequent but less critical annoyances.
Key differences
- The Forenza has air bag complaints where bags failed to deploy in crashes, while the Camry's air bag recalls are related to occupant classification sensors, not deployment failures.
- Forenza owners report electrical fires and smoking switches; Camry electrical issues are more about multiple system malfunctions, not fires.
- Camry has brake complaints including electronic parking brake failure and noise; Forenza brake issues are not among its top components.
- Forenza has a higher proportion of power train complaints (360 out of 907), while Camry's power train complaints are a smaller share (385 out of 2056).
- Check for signs of electrical burning or smoke near the driver's side light switch, and test all lights and accessories for proper function.
- Test the air bag system if possible; ask if any air bag recalls have been performed, and be wary if the air bag warning light is on.
- Test the electronic parking brake to ensure it disengages properly, and listen for clicking or vibrating noises from the brake pedal area.
- Check for delayed throttle response during a test drive, and ensure the ignition key can be removed easily when the car is in Park.
Before you buy
- Obtain a vehicle history report and check for open recalls on the NHTSA website using the VIN.
- Have a trusted mechanic inspect the car, focusing on the specific problem areas mentioned for each model.
- During a test drive, pay attention to transmission shifting, engine hesitation, and any unusual noises or warning lights.
- For the Forenza, test all electrical components, including lights, radio, and power windows, and look for any signs of burning or melted wiring.
- For the Camry, test the electronic parking brake, throttle response, and all advanced safety systems if equipped.
Check the actual car
Comparing models is smart. Checking the VIN is essential.
Brand averages tell you the trend. A VIN check tells you what's wrong with the specific Suzuki Forenza or Toyota Camry in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- Suzuki Forenza vs Toyota Camry
- Suzuki Forenza total complaints
- 907
- Toyota Camry total complaints
- 2,056
- Suzuki Forenza total recalls
- 15
- Toyota Camry total recalls
- 31
- Suzuki Forenza avg complaints/year
- 181.4
- Toyota Camry avg complaints/year
- 205.6
- More reliable overall
- Suzuki Forenza
- Suzuki Forenza top complaint area
- POWER TRAIN
- Toyota Camry top complaint area
- POWER TRAIN